Here's how Vir Das pioneered the standup comedy scene in India and why we need to thank him

Vir Das deserves all the credit for redefining the comedy circuit in the country. He kicked off the comedy movement in India which is now exploding. The fact that there is no dearth of open mic nights, stand-up acts and more across the country. Recently his show, Understanding Abroad released on Netflix, is making him popular across the globe. Vir Das performs to sellout audiences and his presence on the silver screen instantly lights it up. His impeccable comic timing has made him one of the most coveted performers in the Indian scene today.

The actor-comedian who turned 38 today has worked with few of the most prestigious banners of Bollywood. He has worked in movies like Namaste London, Shivaay, Love Aaj Kal, Badmaash Company among others. But Vir broke the cliche surrounding him when he starred in 31st October, a film that had its backdrop set in the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots.

In one of his interviews, Vir said that he is seen more as an actor than as a comedian. But he isn’t complaining. Vir Das had said that movies fetch him a wider reach and accepted the working kept him happy. Speaking about his acting stint, Vir had revealed that he did theatre for five years before cracking his first joke. Which is probably why going from comedy to acting and back again, is nothing short of a cakewalk for the star.

Moving away from his acting stints and his career as a stand-up comic, it is unquestionable that Vir is one of the best we have. But things were not always this pleasant. The comedy arena which we see flourishing this well is the result of seeds that Vir sowed in 2009. By that time, Vir had already been doing stand-up acts abroad but could not get a similar response in the Indian soil. That is when he launched his HAMateur Nights to resounding success at blueFROG, Mumbai. And since then there is no looking back.

What Vir Das has done for comedy in India deserves all the applause. However, the 38-year-old doesn’t wish to stop just here. A look at his social media profiles and one would know how posted Vir is about what is happening around. He doesn’t bat an eyelid before taking jibes at politicians or bringing his trademark sarcasm to issues that need attention but sadly don’t get their due. Vir Das has life lessons for disheartened kids and advises for the ones in power to make the country better.